Neurological Symptoms of Sarcoidosis-induced Small Fiber Neuropathy Effectively Relieved with High-dose Steroid Pulse Therapy

Intern Med. 2015;54(10):1281-6. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.3702. Epub 2015 May 15.

Abstract

A 59-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for an evaluation of a 10-day history of progressive pain and hypoesthesia of the right lower back associated with fever and constipation. Sarcoidosis was confirmed on mediastinal lymph node and skin biopsies. Although the neurological symptoms were suspected due to sarcoidosis-induced nerve dysfunction, nerve conduction studies and other routine examinations did not show any abnormalities. The intraepidermal nerve fiber density assessed on a skin biopsy was significantly reduced, suggesting small-fiber neuropathy (SFN). The patient was finally diagnosed with sarcoidosis-induced SFN, and her neurological symptoms were effectively relieved with high-dose steroid therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Erythromelalgia / diagnosis*
  • Erythromelalgia / drug therapy
  • Erythromelalgia / etiology*
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Fibers / pathology
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Sarcoidosis / complications*
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids